The crucial 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifier between the two sides ended abruptly in the second half after missile launching fans caused the game to be stopped

The crucial 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifier between Senegal and Ivory Coast has been abandoned after crowd trouble brought the game to a premature halt.

Violent scenes occurred after Didier Drogba scored two goals to dash the hopes of the Teranga Lions, who now needed five goals to find their way to South Africa 2013.

The match officials including the referees were driven off the pitch as security officials tried to protect Ivory Coast supporters - who came under severe attack in the stadium.

The stands became empty after police fired teargas to disperse the unruly fans, who hurled plastic bottles onto the pitch while also burning flags and newspapers that turned the entire atmosphere at the Sedar Senghor Stadium hostile.

For close to 25 minutes, the players and security were left speechless on the pitch unsure of the fate of the game as hundreds of other Ivory Coast supporters, who were fleeing from danger, joined them in the inner perimeter for safety.

The match had entered into the 76th minute and Ivory Coast were leading by two goals (6-2 on agg). Early on, a fan had made an incursion onto the pitch which was the catalyst for ugly scenes to break out which marred the qualifier.